Hadley charges against man accused of impersonating officer dismissed

BELCHERTOWN — All charges brought against a Springfield man for allegedly impersonating a police officer outside Mountain Farms Mall in Hadley in October have been dismissed.

Jason Cardona, 32, had five charges last week dismissed in Eastern Hampshire District Court, according to the court clerk’s office.

Four of the charges, impersonating a police officer, intimidating a witness through obstruction, use of body armor in a felony and carrying a dangerous weapon (a police baton), were dismissed at the request of the prosecution. The fifth charge, disorderly conduct, will be dismissed upon payment of court fees.

Cardona was arrested after allegedly alarming shoppers who saw him in the parking lot putting on a bulletproof vest and gun belt. A gun in his possession was determined to be legally licensed.